7 September, 2015
Hunter coal mine decision a test of Governments commitment to meaningful reform
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) will today present at the Planning Assessment Commission’s (PAC) public hearing into the Warkworth Coal Mine to outline that approving the mine would condemn special woodlands and wildlife to destruction.
The PAC is conducting public hearings in Singleton today (Monday) into the Rio Tinto project, which would destroy 611 hectares of native bushland, including Warkworth Sands Woodland and Central Hunter Grey Box–Ironbark Woodland, both endangered ecological communities.
“The woodlands threatened by this proposal include areas that Rio Tinto promised in 2003 to protect in perpetuity to offset the losses caused by the existing mine. Giving this mine the green light would significantly undermine NSW’s offsetting system,” NCC CEO Kate Smolski said.
“This mine assessment is a real test of the Government’s commitment to meaningful reform to the way coal mining is regulated in NSW. We simply can’t afford to keep destroying special natural places like the Warkworth Sands Woodlands for massive coal mines.
Ms Smolski said the mine expansion would have significant impacts on wildlife that these areas supported, including the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptohynchus lathami), Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolour), Regent Honey eater (Anthochaera phrygia), Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), and many other species.
“Our native wildlife is under severe pressure from the destruction and fragmentation of habitat,” she said. “Many of these species are suffering a death by a thousand cuts as each coal mine chips away another chunk of habitat. It is time to draw a line in the sand and ensure that endangered ecological communities are protected forever.”
Ms Smolski said the government had recently changed the state’s environmental planning policy so that the environmental, social and economic impacts of a mine were considered with equal weighting. This change was warmly welcomed by the community.
“Changing the mining policy is one thing, following through with meaningful reform is another. The Warkworth mine is an essential test for the Baird Government, anything less than a full rejection of the mine will betray the local communities who don’t want the mine pollution on their doorstep, as well as our wildlife that is at risk.
Media contact: Daisy Barham 0402 335 664
Tags
Coal and gasPlanning and DevelopmentClimate and energy
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